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Trent Reynolds

Current and former MLS players took to Twitter to offer support for the former Columbus Crew winger's brave decision to reveal his sexual orientation Friday.

The times are a changing and the support for Robbie is just brilliant!

Following former U.S. international Robbie Rogers' decision to come out as gay on Friday, American soccer stars took to Twitter in a universal show of support for the 25-year-old winger, who said that he was stepping away from the game as well.

Within moments of Rogers' announcement spreading, a horde of MLS players voiced their encouragement. New England Revolution and U.S. midfielder Benny Feilhaber wrote, "proud to call you my friend."

A similar tweet of "proud of you fam!" came from New York Red Bulls and U.S. defender Heath Pearce, while Chivas USA keeper Dan Kennedy offered "ur the man Robbie we support u bro" and his teammate Juan Agudelo shared similar regards: "Respect man. Proud of you bro."

Rogers, who played one year collegiately at the University of Maryland, had a number of former Terrapins and offering their well wishes.

LA Galaxy and USA center back Omar Gonzalez wrote, "Congrats, Robbie! Really happy for you." Gonzalez's fellow LA defender A.J. DeLaGarza tweeted, "good for you man! All the best! Terps" to Rogers. FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz, another California native that found his way to Maryland, praised the courage of Rogers' largely unprecedented move, saying, "really want to give a huge shout out to a great friend for being one of the bravest men I know."

Tweets poured in from Americans abroad as well, with Anderlecht midfielder and U.S. international Sacha Kljestan writing, "100 percent love and support for one of my best friends Robbie Rogers. You will be missed on the pitch. Amazing talent, amazing person." Bolton Wanderers and U.S. midfielder Stu Holden, another MLS product who tried his luck in England sent, "Much love and respect to my boy @robbierogers! Proud to be your friend bro."

Former USA star Eddie Pope joined in as well, hailing Rogers as a pioneer and offering hope for the future. "Brave men like you will make it so that one day there's no need for an announcement. That day can't arrive soon enough. #support"Follow GOAL.COM on Twitter